Alarm for lead insulation abnormality

ABSTRACT

A system is provided to determine whether an insulating layer of an implanted lead is damaged.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

Cross reference is made to U.S. patent application Ser. No. ______, filed ______, 20______, entitled “______”, which is incorporated herein by this reference in its entirety.

FIELD

The disclosure relates generally to surgical implants and particularly to installation and/or removal of surgical implants.

BACKGROUND

Surgically implanted cardiac pacing systems, such as pacemakers and defibrillators, play an important role in the treatment of heart disease. In the 50 years since the first pacemaker was implanted, technology has improved dramatically, and these systems have saved or improved the quality of countless lives. Pacemakers treat slow heart rhythms by increasing the heart rate or by coordinating the heart's contraction for some heart failure patients. Implantable cardioverter defibrillators stop dangerous rapid heart rhythms by delivering an electric shock.

Cardiac pacing systems typically include a timing device and a lead, which are placed inside the body of a patient. One part of the system is the pulse generator containing electric circuits and a battery, usually placed under the skin on the chest wall beneath the collarbone. To replace the battery, the pulse generator must be changed by a simple surgical procedure every 5 to 10 years. The other parts are the wires, or leads, which run between the pulse generator and the heart. In a pacemaker, these leads allow the device to increase the heart rate by delivering small timed bursts of electric energy to make it beat faster. In a defibrillator, the lead has special coils to allow the device to deliver a high-energy shock and convert dangerous rapid rhythms (ventricular tachycardia or fibrillation) back to a normal rhythm. The leads transmit information about the heart's electrical activity to the pacemaker.

For both of these functions, leads must be in contact with heart tissue. Most leads pass through a vein under the collarbone that connects to the right side of the heart (right atrium and right ventricle). In some cases, a lead is inserted through a vein and guided into a heart chamber where it is attached with the heart. In other instances, a lead is attached to the outside of the heart. To remain attached to the heart muscle, most leads have a fixation mechanism, such as a small screw and/or hooks at the end. Within a few months, the body's natural healing process forms scar tissue along the lead and at its tip, which fastens it even more securely in the patient's body, thereby complicating removal or extraction of the pacing lead. Leads usually last longer than device batteries, so leads are simply reconnected to each new pulse generator (battery) at the time of replacement.

Although leads are designed to be implanted permanently in the body, occasionally these leads must be removed, or extracted. The most common reason for lead extraction is infection. If any part of the system becomes infected, it is usually impossible to cure the infection without completely removing all hardware from the body. This requires removal both of the pulse generator from the chest wall and all leads from the veins and heart. Another reason for lead extraction is when a lead fails to work properly (for example, due to a break in the metal wire or surrounding inflation). Sometimes, the broken lead can be abandoned in the heart, with a new lead placed alongside. However, veins can only accommodate a limited number of leads due to space constraints, and sometimes, nonfunctioning leads must be extracted to make space for a new lead.

A variety of tools have been developed to make lead extraction safer and more successful. Current pacing lead extraction techniques include mechanical traction, mechanical devices, and energy devices. Some mechanical devices use a wire that passes down the length of the lead, locking into place and allowing force to be applied to the tip of the lead. Another mechanical tool is a flexible tube called a sheath that passes over the lead, surrounding it and freeing it from the body by disrupting scar tissue as it is advanced toward the heart. Another mechanical tool uses a mechanical cutter to break through the scar tissue. Dilating telescopic sheaths can be used to strip or push away the scar tissue adhering the lead to the body. Energy devices, known as power sheaths, typically apply a form of energy at the sheath tip to cut the scar tissue away from the lead thus allowing for removal. As the sheath is pushed over the lead and comes to an area of attachment, the operator can turn on the sheath's energy source to heat or vaporize scar tissue. This has the effect of cutting the lead form its attachments, allowing the lead to be removed safely with much less force. One of these specialized sheaths uses electrocautery, similar to what is used to cut through tissue in surgery. Another commonly used sheath has a ring of tiny lasers at its tip. When activated, the lasers vaporize water molecules in scar tissue within 1 mm, which allows the sheath to be passed slowly over the entire lead until it can be removed. Occasionally, leads cannot be extracted from the chest and are instead removed through the femoral vein in the groin by use of specialized tools.

In any of the above lead removal devices and techniques, a damaged outer insulation layer of the lead can weaken the lead, which is often under significant tension or pull forces needed to assist its removal. In addition to lead damage from defective manufacture or lead implantation, leads can be perforated or cut during lead removal. Once the lead insulation layer is compromised, the remaining insulation layer can tear, and the inner conductive structures unravel.

SUMMARY

These and other needs are addressed by the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the present disclosure.

A device, described in this disclosure, can include:

(a) a separator to substantially free an implanted lead from surrounding tissue;

(b) a sensor to sense an electrical parameter associated with the lead to determine a condition of an insulation layer of the lead; and

(c) a controller operable to receive output from the sensor and determine when the condition of the insulation layer is not acceptable.

A method, described in this disclosure, can include the steps of:

(a) detecting an irregularity in an insulating layer of an implanted lead; and

(b) warning a physician of the irregularity.

A non-transient, tangible computer readable medium is described comprising microprocessor executable instructions that, when executed by a microprocessor, perform the following steps:

(a) receiving, by a controller and from a sensor, a sensed electrical parameter associated with an implanted lead;

(b) comparing, by the controller, the sensed electrical parameter with one or more predetermined thresholds associated with the existence of an irregularity; and

(c) based on the comparing step, determining, by the controller, that the implanted lead has an irregularity.

A system, described in this disclosure, can include:

(a) an electrically conductive structure operable to provide, in the event of an irregularity in an insulating layer of an implanted lead, a changed electrical parameter associated with the lead;

(b) a sensor operable to sense the changed electrical parameter; and

(c) a controller operable to determine an instance of an irregularity in the lead based on the sensed, changed electrical parameter and warn a physician of the determined instance of an irregularity.

A sheath can be used in the detection of an irregularity. The sheath can include an annulus to receive the implanted lead and the electrically conductive structure to interact electrically with a conductor of the lead when the condition of the insulation layer is not acceptable. The electrically conductive structure can be configured as one or more conductive band(s) around at least part of a circumference of the sheath.

The sheath can further include a marker in spatial proximity to the electrically conductive structure to indicate a location, in a body of a patient, of an unacceptable portion of the insulation layer.

The present disclosure can provide a number of advantages depending on the particular configuration. The various devices discussed in the present disclosure can readily, conveniently, accurately, and quickly detect and notify a physician of a damaged outer insulation layer of a lead. The physician can therefore take remedial action to avoid injuring the patient.

These and other advantages will be apparent from the disclosure of the aspects, embodiments, and configurations contained herein.

As used herein, “at least one”, “one or more”, and “and/or” are open-ended expressions that are both conjunctive and disjunctive in operation. For example, each of the expressions “at least one of A, B and C”, “at least one of A, B, or C”, “one or more of A, B, and C”, “one or more of A, B, or C” and “A, B, and/or C” means A alone, B alone, C alone, A and B together, A and C together, B and C together, or A, B and C together. When each one of A, B, and C in the above expressions refers to an element, such as X, Y, and Z, or class of elements, such as X₁-X_(n), Y₁-Y_(m), and Z₁-Z_(o), the phrase is intended to refer to a single element selected from X, Y, and Z, a combination of elements selected from the same class (e.g., X₁ and X₂) as well as a combination of elements selected from two or more classes (e.g., Y₁ and Z_(o)).

It is to be noted that the term “a” or “an” entity refers to one or more of that entity. As such, the terms “a” (or “an”), “one or more” and “at least one” can be used interchangeably herein. It is also to be noted that the terms “comprising”, “including”, and “having” can be used interchangeably.

The term “automatic” and variations thereof, as used herein, refers to any process or operation done without material human input when the process or operation is performed. However, a process or operation can be automatic, even though performance of the process or operation uses material or immaterial human input, if the input is received before performance of the process or operation. Human input is deemed to be material if such input influences how the process or operation will be performed. Human input that consents to the performance of the process or operation is not deemed to be “material”.

The term “computer-readable medium” as used herein refers to any storage and/or transmission medium that participate in providing instructions to a processor for execution. Such a medium is commonly tangible and non-transient and can take many forms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media, and transmission media and includes without limitation random access memory (“RAM”), read only memory (“ROM”), and the like. Non-volatile media includes, for example, NVRAM, or magnetic or optical disks. Volatile media includes dynamic memory, such as main memory. Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppy disk (including without limitation a Bernoulli cartridge, ZIP drive, and JAZ drive), a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape or cassettes, or any other magnetic medium, magneto-optical medium, a digital video disk (such as CD-ROM), any other optical medium, punch cards, paper tape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM, and EPROM, a FLASH-EPROM, a solid state medium like a memory card, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrier, a carrier wave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computer can read. A digital file attachment to e-mail or other self-contained information archive or set of archives is considered a distribution medium equivalent to a tangible storage medium. When the computer-readable media is configured as a database, it is to be understood that the database may be any type of database, such as relational, hierarchical, object-oriented, and/or the like. Accordingly, the disclosure is considered to include a tangible storage medium or distribution medium and prior art-recognized equivalents and successor media, in which the software implementations of the present disclosure are stored. Computer-readable storage medium commonly excludes transient storage media, particularly electrical, magnetic, electromagnetic, optical, magneto-optical signals.

The terms “determine”, “calculate” and “compute,” and variations thereof, as used herein, are used interchangeably and include any type of methodology, process, mathematical operation or technique.

A “lead” is a conductive structure, typically an electrically insulated coiled wire. The electrically conductive material can be any conductive material, with metals and intermetallic alloys common. The outer sheath of insulative material is biocompatible and biostable (e.g., non-dissolving in the body) and generally includes organic materials such as polyurethane and polyimide. Lead types include, by way of non-limiting example, epicardial and endocardial leads. Leads are commonly implanted into a body percutaneously or surgically.

A “surgical implant” is a medical device manufactured to replace a missing biological structure, support, stimulate, or treat a damaged biological structure, or enhance, stimulate, or treat an existing biological structure. Medical implants are man-made devices, in contrast to a transplant, which is a transplanted biomedical tissue. In some cases implants contain electronics, including, without limitation, artificial pacemaker, defibrillator, electrodes, and cochlear implants. Some implants are bioactive, including, without limitation, subcutaneous drug delivery devices in the form of implantable pills or drug-eluting stents.

The term “means” as used herein shall be given its broadest possible interpretation in accordance with 35 U.S.C., Sections 112, Paragraph 6. Accordingly, a claim incorporating the term “means” shall cover all structures, materials, or acts set forth herein, and all of the equivalents thereof. Further, the structures, materials or acts and the equivalents thereof shall include all those described in the summary of the invention, brief description of the drawings, detailed description, abstract, and claims themselves.

The term “module” as used herein refers to any known or later developed hardware, software, firmware, artificial intelligence, fuzzy logic, or combination of hardware and software that is capable of performing the functionality associated with that element. Also, while the disclosure is presented in terms of exemplary embodiments, it should be appreciated that individual aspects of the disclosure can be separately claimed.

It should be understood that every maximum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every lower numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such lower numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every minimum numerical limitation given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every higher numerical limitation as an alternative, as if such higher numerical limitations were expressly written herein. Every numerical range given throughout this disclosure is deemed to include each and every narrower numerical range that falls within such broader numerical range, as if such narrower numerical ranges were all expressly written herein.

The preceding is a simplified summary of the disclosure to provide an understanding of some aspects of the disclosure. This summary is neither an extensive nor exhaustive overview of the disclosure and its various aspects, embodiments, and configurations. It is intended neither to identify key or critical elements of the disclosure nor to delineate the scope of the disclosure but to present selected concepts of the disclosure in a simplified form as an introduction to the more detailed description presented below. As will be appreciated, other aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure are possible utilizing, alone or in combination, one or more of the features set forth above or described in detail below.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings are incorporated into and form a part of the specification to illustrate several examples of the present disclosure. These drawings, together with the description, explain the principles of the disclosure. The drawings simply illustrate preferred and alternative examples of how the disclosure can be made and used and are not to be construed as limiting the disclosure to only the illustrated and described examples. Further features and advantages will become apparent from the following, more detailed, description of the various aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure, as illustrated by the drawings referenced below.

FIG. 1 is a cross-sectional view of the sheath assembly removing a lead according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the sheath assembly of FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the sheath assembly of FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is an electrical schematic according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 5 is an electrical schematic according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 6 is a flow schematic according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 7 depicts a side view of a sheath assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 8 depicts a side view of a sheath assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 9 depicts a cross-sectional side view of a sheath assembly according to an embodiment of the disclosure;

FIG. 10 is an electrical schematic according to an embodiment of the disclosure; and

FIG. 11 is an electrical schematic according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments according to this disclosure provide a catheter sheath assembly that can be deployed safely within a vascular system of a patient. A catheter sheath assembly can include, for example, a flexible sheath coupled with a separator to separate a lead from adjoining or adjacent scar tissue. The separator can use any separation mechanism, or lead extraction technique, including mechanical traction, a mechanical device, and/or an energy device. An exemplary separator includes one or more cutting elements, cutting assemblies, cutters, stripping elements, strippers, dialing elements, dilaters, lasers, and the like.

With reference to FIGS. 1-3, an exemplary catheter sheath assembly 100 is depicted. The sheath assembly comprises a flexible cylindrical or tubular body member 104 having a distal tip 112 and separator (not shown) at its distal end, a handle (not shown) at is proximal end, an intervening substantially cylindrical sidewall 108, and one or more markers or other detectable features that can be imaged. The sidewall comprises a longitudinal electrical conductive element 116 in electrical communication with a circumferential electrical conductive element 120. The longitudinal and circumferential electrical conductive elements 116 and 120, respectively, are composed of a highly conductive material, such as a metal or intermetallic alloy. The conductive material may be the same as or different from the conductive material in the lead 124. The annulus 118 defined by the sidewall 108 receives the lead 124.

The portions of the sidewall 108 between the longitudinal and circumferential electrical conductive elements 116 and 120, respectively, are typically composed of a biocompatible, biostable, and substantially non-conducting material, such as an organic polymeric material. For example, it may have the same or different composition as the insulation layer of the lead 124. The portions of the sidewall may be manufactured from a flexible polymer such as Pebax™ or Teflon™. The longitudinal circumferential conductive elements 116 and 120 may be configured as a reinforcement to the structural integrity or strength of the sheath assembly, such as a stainless steel reinforcement.

The sheath assembly 100 and lead 124 are positioned within a vasculature 122, with a portion of the lead 124 being positioned in the annulus 118 of the sheath assembly 100. The sheath assembly 100 is advancing to cut a tissue growth 126 obstructing removal of the lead 124. The lead 124 comprises an insulating layer or lead insulation material 200 positioned around the circumference of one or more conductive elements 204.

FIG. 3 depicts the distal tip 112 nicking or cutting the insulating layer 200 of the lead 124 to form damaged portion 304 of the lead insulation, thereby exposing the enclosed conductive elements 204 in the vasculature 122. As will be appreciated, not only can the damaged portion 304 compromise the structural integrity of the lead 124 during removal but also the exposed conductors can puncture or otherwise wound the surrounding tissue of the patient.

The direct electrical contact of the exposed conductors and the circumferential conductive element 120 can be detected by measuring an electrical parameter associated with either the sheath assembly 100 or lead 124, as discussed more fully below.

Referring to FIG. 8, another exemplary sheath assembly 804 is depicted. The sheath assembly 804 comprises longitudinal and circumferential conductive members 116 and 120, respectively, with the circumferential conductive member 120 being located proximal to the distal tip 112. The longitudinal electrical conductive element 116 extends substantially the entire length (“L”) of the sheath assembly 704 while the circumferential electrical conductive element 120 extends substantially the entire diameter of the sheath assembly 704. The sheath assembly 100 further comprises a marker 800 on the distal tip 112 to enable locating the distal tip 112 in the patient body. This can enable a physician to locate abnormalities in the insulating layer of a lead as the distal tip 112 transgresses the length of the lead.

Referring to FIG. 9, another exemplary sheath assembly 900 is depicted. The sheath assembly 900 comprises a separator 904, a marker 800, and the longitudinal and circumferential conductive members 116 and 120. An optional second longitudinal conductive member 908 may be provided as discussed more fully below. As will be appreciated, the relative positions of the circumferential conductive member 116 and marker 800 can be reversed, with the marker 800 being positioned below the circumferential conductive member 120.

The markers or other detectable feature(s) can include a tip marker (shown), a separator marker (not shown), or a sheath marker (not shown), or any combination thereof. Such markers may include a radiopaque or other imageable material to allow an operator to determine the relative positional relationships of the separator 904. In some cases, the components of the separator 904 can be constructed of radiopaque material or alternatively plated with a thin coat of highly radiopaque material such as gold. In one embodiment, a tip marker includes a radiopaque material that allows the operator to determine a position of the distal tip and/or other portion(s) of the sheath assembly in the body of the patient.

Referring to FIG. 7, yet another exemplary sheath assembly 704 is depicted. Multiple circumferential electrical conductive elements 120 a-o may be positioned at determined intervals (“I”) along the length “L” of the sheath assembly 704. The intervals “I” may be uniform or non-uniform depending on the application. Commonly and as shown in FIG. 7, the spacing or intervals between adjacent circumferential electrical conductive elements is small enough that any point along substantially the entire length of the conductive element(s) in the lead 124, in the event of damage to the outer insulation layer, is in electrical communication with one or more adjacent circumferential electrical conductive element(s) 120 a-o. This sheath configuration has the advantage that damage to the lead during removal from a cause other than contact with the separator 904 can be readily detected by the plural circumferential electrical conductive elements 120.

A number of operational modes will now be discussed.

FIG. 10 depicts a first operating mode according to the disclosure. An electrical circuit defined by the circumferential and longitudinal conductive elements of the sheath assembly 100 is shown. The circuit 400 comprises conductors 404 and 408, each having internal resistance 412 and 416, respectively, electrically connected to a terminal of a voltage source 420 (which may be a direct or alternating current and fixed or variable voltage source) and sensor 428. The other terminal of the voltage source 420 is electrically connected to ground 424. The sensor 428 can measure one or more electrical parameters, including voltage, current and resistance. Typical sensors 428 comprise ammeters, ohmmeters, voltmeters, potentiometer, oscilloscope, and the like. The circuit 444 of the lead 124 comprises a conductor 432 having internal resistance 436 connected electrically to ground 424. A direct electrical connection, such as shown in FIG. 3, exists between the circuits 400 and 444, thereby enabling electrical current to flow between the circuits. The sensor 428 is electrically connected to circuit 400 but may, alternatively, be electrically connected to the circuit 444.

FIG. 11 depicts a second operating mode according to the disclosure. An electrical circuit defined by the circumferential and longitudinal conductive elements of the sheath assembly 100 is shown. The circuit 500 comprises conductors 504, 506, and 508, having internal resistance 512 and 516, respectively, electrically connected to a terminal of a voltage source 420. Electrical current can flow either clockwise or counterclockwise, as shown. Unlike the prior operational mode, the circuit 500 is closed while the circuit 400 is open. The circuit 520 of the lead 524 comprises conductors 528 and 532 having internal resistance 536 and 540, respectively. The conductors 528 in the lead 524 can be optionally connected to an implanted medical component 544, such as a cardiac pacing system, or, in the event that the medical component 544 has been removed or not yet implanted, to one another or disconnected altogether. The conductors 528 and 540 are further connected to the sensor 428 to form a closed circuit, unlike the typically open circuit 444 of FIG. 4. As shown by connection 1100, a direct electrical connection, such as shown in FIG. 3, exists between the circuits 500 and 520, thereby enabling electrical current to flow between the circuits.

FIG. 4 depicts a third operational mode according to the disclosure. Unlike the first operational mode shown in FIG. 10, there is no direct electrical contact between the circuits 400 and 444 but a capacitance 440 exists between the circuits 400 and 444. The capacitance is too high for electrical current to pass into the circuit 444 when the insulation layer of the lead 124 is intact. However, when the insulation layer is damaged, such as by being cut, nicked, separated, or otherwise made discontinuous, the capacitance is lowered, thereby enabling electrical current to flow between the circuits. The sensor 428 is electrically connected to circuit 400 but may, alternatively, be electrically connected to the circuit 444.

FIG. 5 depicts a fourth operational mode according to the disclosure. Unlike the second operational mode shown in FIG. 11, there is no direct electrical contact between the circuits 400 and 444 but, as shown by symbol 548, electrical current is induced in circuit 520 by electromagnetic or inductance coupling between the circuits 500 and 520. The degree of coupling and magnitude of the resulting current in the circuit 520 is a function of the integrity of the insulation layer on the lead 524. In other words, the magnitude of the electrical current induced by the flow of electricity in circuit 500 when the insulation layer is undamaged is different from that when the insulation layer is damaged, such as by being cut, nicked, separated, or otherwise made discontinuous.

This list of operational modes is not intended to be exhaustive but only illustrative. One of ordinary skill in the art will appreciate that other operational modes are possible based upon the teachings of this disclosure.

In any of the above operational modes, the sensor 428 detects current flow or other electrical parameter, and a controller 448 interfaces with the sensor 428 to sense abnormal output and provide appropriate alarm signaling and other output to the physician. The monitor 448 comprises a microprocessor (not shown) and a computer readable medium containing microprocessor readable and executable instructions controlling the interaction with the sensor 428.

FIG. 6 depicts a control logic according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

In step 600, the controller 448 detects a stimulus, such as input received from a physician.

In step 604, the controller 448 monitors input signaling from the sensor 428. The input signaling is related to the magnitude of one or more electrical parameters sensed by the sensor 428.

In step 608, the controller 448 compares the measured or sensed electrical parameters against one or more predetermined thresholds. The thresholds are commonly related to a state of integrity, health, or degree of damage of the insulating layer of the lead received by the sheath assembly.

In decision diamond 612, the controller 448, based on the comparison, determines whether the state of the insulating layer of the lead is acceptable or unacceptable. An unacceptable state is associated with a damaged or discontinuous insulating layer.

When the state is unacceptable, the controller 448, in step 616, warns the physician of a possible abnormal condition of the insulating layer and, optionally, determines a location in the body of the patient, of an irregularity in the lead's insulating layer. Alternatively, the physician may concurrently determine, from the marker, the approximate position of the irregularity. Optionally, the controller, after step 616, returns to step 600.

When the state is acceptable, the controller 448 returns to step 600.

A number of variations and modifications of the disclosure can be used. It would be possible to provide for some features of the disclosure without providing others.

For example, the measurement of lead state during lead removal can be used for lead removal techniques and devices other than sheaths, such as mechanical traction, mechanical devices, and energy devices.

The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations, includes components, methods, processes, systems and/or apparatus substantially as depicted and described herein, including various aspects, embodiments, configurations, subcombinations, and subsets thereof. Those of skill in the art will understand how to make and use the various aspects, aspects, embodiments, and configurations, after understanding the present disclosure. The present disclosure, in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations, includes providing devices and processes in the absence of items not depicted and/or described herein or in various aspects, embodiments, and configurations hereof, including in the absence of such items as may have been used in previous devices or processes, e.g., for improving performance, achieving ease and\or reducing cost of implementation.

The foregoing discussion of the disclosure has been presented for purposes of illustration and description. The foregoing is not intended to limit the disclosure to the form or forms disclosed herein. In the foregoing Detailed Description for example, various features of the disclosure are grouped together in one or more, aspects, embodiments, and configurations for the purpose of streamlining the disclosure. The features of the aspects, embodiments, and configurations of the disclosure may be combined in alternate aspects, embodiments, and configurations other than those discussed above. This method of disclosure is not to be interpreted as reflecting an intention that the claimed disclosure requires more features than are expressly recited in each claim. Rather, as the following claims reflect, inventive aspects lie in less than all features of a single foregoing disclosed aspects, embodiments, and configurations. Thus, the following claims are hereby incorporated into this Detailed Description, with each claim standing on its own as a separate preferred embodiment of the disclosure.

Moreover, though the description of the disclosure has included description of one or more aspects, embodiments, configurations and certain variations and modifications, other variations, combinations, and modifications are within the scope of the disclosure, e.g., as may be within the skill and knowledge of those in the art, after understanding the present disclosure. It is intended to obtain rights which include alternative aspects, embodiments, and configurations to the extent permitted, including alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps to those claimed, whether or not such alternate, interchangeable and/or equivalent structures, functions, ranges or steps are disclosed herein, and without intending to publicly dedicate any patentable subject matter. 

What is claimed is: 1-21. (canceled)
 22. A system, comprising: a sheath comprising: an annulus to receive an implanted lead; a distal tip; and an electrically conductive structure forming the distal tip; a sensor connected to the electrically conductive structure, wherein the sensor senses an irregularity in an insulating layer of the implanted lead and provides a changed electrical parameter; and a controller connected to the sensor and operable to alert a user upon receiving the changed electrical parameter from the sensor.
 23. The system of claim 22, wherein the controller is further operable to detect, by a marker, an approximate position in a patient body of the irregularity.
 24. The system of claim 22, wherein the controller receives, from the sensor, the sensed, changed electrical parameter associated with the lead, compares the sensed, changed electrical parameter with one or more predetermined thresholds associated with an instance of an irregularity, and, based on the comparing step, determines that the implanted lead has an irregularity.
 25. The system of claim 22, wherein the electrically conductive structure comprises at least one conductive band around at least part of a circumference of the sheath.
 26. The system of claim 25, wherein the at least one conductive band comprises a plurality of conductive bands positioned along a length of the sheath.
 27. The system of claim 22, wherein the sheath further comprises a marker in spatial proximity to the electrically conductive structure to indicate an approximate position in a patient body of the irregularity.
 28. The system of claim 22, wherein the electrically conductive structure is connected to a voltage source and the sensor.
 29. The system of claim 22, wherein a conductor in the lead is connected to the sensor and wherein the electrically conductive structure is connected to a voltage source.
 30. The system of claim 22, wherein the electrically conductive structure is a first electrically conductive structure, and the sheath further comprises: a sidewall defining the annulus; and a second electrically conductive structure disposed in the sidewall and connected to the first electrically conductive structure and the sensor.
 31. The system of claim 22, wherein the electrically conductive structure is a separator for separating the implanted lead from scar tissue.
 32. The system of claim 31, wherein the separator is a dilator. 